ok now ive calmed down a bit, i feel better. just spoken to my mate whos a ford mechanic. hes going give it a look over.

im not thinking there is a head gasket problem. the oil is very clean, and indeed inside the engine rocker cover it still looks like a new engine.

the white smoke was only on idle for about a minuite and i think (well hope) i was reading too much in to it.

just spoken to my best mate and she also reminded me the car has been sitting in storage for over a year, so i cant just expect it to just drive.

yeh my thoughts at this moment point to the thermostat, and i guess as it was sitting for over a year it makes sence. i will take it off and have a look, opens at 88c doesnt it?